Fun to be in a classroom again

I was invited to give a demonstration to ceramics students at Anne Arundel Community College. I was glad to have a diversion from my usual studio routine, and glad to be inside a classroom again. Thank you for the invitation, Rick Malmgren! And to the students who suggested my name. Rick was interested in seeing a demo of my slip carving techniques. I wasn't sure that could fill a four hour demo, so he said that throwing demos were always welcome too. I decided to plan a throwing demo that was all about lids, because lidded forms are probably my favorite forms to throw, and I have a lot to say about them. 

Look at this beautiful classroom. It's huge and well-equipped. Outlets everywhere!

I started with some small jars. One with an upside-down lid, and one with a right-side up lid.

Now on to something larger. I shaped a casserole body, then measured it for its lid, then cut the lid to the right size.

We took a break for lunch (potter potlucks are the best potlucks), then I started carving some leather hard pots that I brought from home. I brushed on the white slip before our break, so the slip could dry to leather hard while we ate. The first piece was a two-sided vase.

And I finished with a carving of a koi fish in a large bowl.

I was done a little after 3pm, and since I had the rest of the day off, I drove into downtown Annapolis and did something I've always wanted to do but never have. I walked through the Maryland State House like a tourist. What a great way to spend a fall day!